Denmark Investigates Drone Incursions Over Airports, Labels Activity a “Professional Hybrid Attack”
Denmark is on high alert after multiple airports were forced to shut down this week due to drone incursions, which officials described as the work of a “professional actor.” The repeated disruptions have sparked security concerns across Europe, though Danish authorities say there is currently no evidence linking the incidents directly to Russia.
Airports Shut Down Amid Drone Sightings
On Wednesday evening, Aalborg Airport in northern Denmark was forced to suspend operations for several hours after green lights—believed to be from drones—were spotted overhead. Around the same time, reports of drone activity surfaced near three smaller airports: Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup. Later, possible drone activity briefly shut down Billund Airport, one of the country’s busiest hubs.
This comes just days after Copenhagen Airport was temporarily closed on Monday following a similar incursion, marking the second wave of disruptions in less than a week.
The closures caused travel chaos, with at least three flights diverted away from Aalborg. Officials stressed that drones pose a serious collision risk to aircraft, particularly during take-off and landing, making temporary shutdowns necessary for passenger safety.
“Hybrid Attack” Raises Security Concerns
At a press conference, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the incidents formed part of a “systematic operation” and classified them as a hybrid attack—a strategy that blends military and non-military tactics to destabilize infrastructure or institutions.
Poulsen emphasized that the drones were launched locally, not from abroad, and that there was “no concrete evidence” pointing to Russian involvement. However, he noted the sophisticated nature of the incursions, calling them professional and deliberate acts.
Hybrid threats are an increasing concern for NATO states, especially given recent reports of Russian incursions into the airspace of Estonia, Poland, and Romania.
NATO and European Context
While Danish police continue their investigation, the broader European security landscape is tense. Last week, Estonia and Poland requested NATO consultations after Russian MiG-31 jets entered Estonian airspace and nearly 20 drones crossed into Poland. Romania also reported a Russian drone breaching its territory.
Germany and Sweden have similarly reported suspicious drone activity in recent months. These incidents, although unproven, are widely suspected to be part of Moscow’s indirect aggression strategy against NATO nations that support Ukraine.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed these concerns, describing the Copenhagen incident earlier this week as “the most severe attack on Danish infrastructure so far.”
However, the Kremlin dismissed accusations of Russian involvement, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling them “unfounded.”
Military Bases Among Targets
The situation is especially concerning because some of the affected airports also serve as military facilities. Aalborg doubles as a base for the Danish Armed Forces, while Skrydstrup is home to an airbase.
Although Danish authorities confirmed they have the capability to shoot down hostile drones, officials decided not to do so during the incidents due to safety concerns for nearby civilians.
“If we get the opportunity, we will take down the drones,” said Chief Inspector Jesper Bøjgaard Madsen, who urged the public to stay away from affected areas. Police stressed that while the drones did not pose a direct threat to residents, they represented a serious risk to aviation safety.
Political and Regional Reactions
Denmark’s Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard warned that hybrid threats were “here to stay,” underscoring the need for long-term preparedness.
On Friday, the issue is expected to be addressed at an EU meeting, where officials will discuss strengthening Europe’s collective drone defenses.
Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the creation of a “drone wall” to counter incursions. While the exact framework remains unclear, analysts believe early detection and neutralization of hostile drones will form the backbone of the strategy.
Meanwhile, international pressure is mounting. US President Donald Trump recently stated that NATO nations should not hesitate to shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace. NATO’s new secretary-general, Mark Rutte, added that while the alliance remains defensive, it “will not be naive” in responding to provocations.
Investigation Underway
For now, Danish authorities are focused on determining who is behind the drone operations. Poulsen reiterated that while Russia cannot be ruled out, all current evidence suggests the drones were launched from inside Denmark.
The investigation will examine whether the incidents were acts of espionage, sabotage, or testing of Denmark’s defense systems.
With airspace violations becoming more frequent across Europe, officials warn that these hybrid tactics are likely to continue. For Denmark, the incidents serve as a stark reminder of how vulnerable critical infrastructure can be in an age of evolving security threats.